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Vaughan Boy

Popularity: #917 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationVAWN / vɔːn

Welsh; English

Meaning

Welsh: small; English: from the river

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Vaughan is of Welsh origin, derived from the word "bychan," which means "little" or "small." It is a patronymic surname that evolved from the Welsh personal name "Bach," which also conveys the meaning of "little." The name was anglicized in the Middle Ages, particularly during the Norman conquest of Wales, leading to its adoption in English-speaking regions. The transition into English occurred as the name was recorded in various forms, including "Vaughan" and "Vaughn," reflecting the phonetic adaptations of the Welsh language into English orthography.

Historically, the name Vaughan has been associated with notable figures in Welsh history. One prominent example is the Welsh poet and historian, Sir John Vaughan, who lived during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. The name also appears in the genealogies of Welsh nobility, often linked to the ancient Welsh clans and their territories. The use of Vaughan in literature and historical texts can be traced back to the medieval period, where it was recorded in various forms in Welsh manuscripts and later in English texts.

Culturally, the name Vaughan carries connotations of heritage and identity, particularly within Welsh communities. It symbolizes a connection to the Welsh language and culture, embodying the tradition of using descriptive surnames that reflect familial lineage. The name has also been associated with various historical figures, including saints and local leaders, which has contributed to its enduring presence in Welsh and English contexts. The diminutive form "Vaughn" has also emerged, though Vaughan remains the more traditional spelling, reflecting its historical roots.

Trend Summary

Vaughan has seen a steady but modest popularity in the United States over recent decades.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Vaughn

International Variants

  • Vaughan (English)

Famous people named Vaughan

Vaughan Williams is a composer best known for The Lark Ascending, A Sea Symphony, and Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis.

Vaughan Jones is a mathematician best known for his work in knot theory and the Jones polynomial.

Vaughan Monroe is a singer and bandleader best known for his hit song Ghost Riders in the Sky, and his work in the 1940s and 1950s.

Fictional characters named Vaughan

Vaughan is a fictional character from the novel White Noise by Don DeLillo. He is a charismatic and enigmatic figure who represents the complexities of modern life and media saturation.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Vaughan was first seen in the United States in 1911. Vaughan has ranked as high as #1349 nationally, which occurred in 2006, and has been most popular in Texas, California, and New York. In the past 5 years the name Vaughan has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Vaughan (2021)

StateBirthsShare
TX 5
100%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19116
191212
19136
191414
191511
191618
191719
191824
19197
192018
192117
192213
192317
192412
192512
192610
192718
192813
19296
193013
193111
193211
193415
19359
19366
193713
19389
19398
194010
19418
194211
194317
194415
194518
194610
194725
194821
194924
195022
195119
195217
195317
195420
195517
195616
19578
195814
19598
196010
196115
196216
196312
196410
196516
196616
196713
196818
196918
197017
197110
19729
197316
19747
19759
197610
197713
19786
197911
198014
198112
19829
198310
198410
19855
198612
19877
198812
19897
199012
199120
199221
199311
199420
199519
199616
199722
199821
199914
200023
200120
200215
200313
200411
200517
200634
200726
200816
200916
201023
201124
201218
201321
201415
201521
201613
201714
201821
201911
20209
202112
202212
20237
20247